Interlocking fastener

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the disclosure include a fastener having a male and female connector configured to interlock.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/442,043, filed Jan. 4, 2017, entitled “INTERLOCKING FASTENER,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to fasteners. More specifically, embodiments of the disclosure relate to interlocking fasteners for use on string, straps, belts, and/or other objects.

BACKGROUND

A wide variety of clasps, fasteners and buckles exist on the market today. Many clasps and buckles are designed for specific purposes, having characteristics amenable to specific weight ratings and specifications. Some clasps are configured to be a semi-permanent or fixed solution, including clasps with multi-stage unclasping procedures. However, many of these fasteners feature interlocking components. Unfortunately, they conventionally require multiple steps to secure or decouple the clasp, such as unscrewing a lock ring on a carabineer clasp.

Additionally, the majority of clasps on the market feature moving parts, including screws, springs, and latches. Unfortunately, these features can often become rusted, encrusted with dirt, and can require routine maintenance to ensure continued functionality. Additionally, these clasps often require more than one hand to operate, and occasionally employ a strong spring to provide tension, keeping the clasp together when under duress. The tension of this spring must be overpowered in order to decouple or remove the clasp, requiring effort from the user.

Many items forego the use of conventional clasps and buckles, as they are deemed too large, or they are too cumbersome to easily attach and detach due to a miniscule size. This is especially true on shoes, where laces remain the primary means of affixing shoes to one's feet. Many conventional buckles or clasps are too large or heavy to be used in lieu of knotting one's laces, or in lieu of laces at all. While occasional buckles appear on modern shoes, their appearance is generally limited to aesthetic value, as authentic buckles tend to weigh shoes down.

Thus, there is a need for a new interlocking clasp mechanism that is lightweight, has no moving parts, can be unclasped easily, while remaining securely fastened during use. Such a device may be capable of remaining fastened when pushed or pulled from any number of different angles, and be configured to pull the fastening mechanism tighter when opposing force or strain is applied.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosure include a fastener having a male and female connector configured to interlock. In embodiments, the male and female connectors include corresponding surfaces that are curved in accordance with concentric circles. In other embodiments, the male and female connectors include corresponding surfaces that are cone shaped or straight. While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a shoe including a fastener, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a lace-securing mechanism, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of a male connector, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1D is a perspective exploded view of a lace-securing mechanism, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1E is a perspective view of the lace-securing mechanism of FIG. 1D, installed with a shoe lace, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1F is a perspective view of another lace-securing mechanism, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1G is a perspective view of another lace-securing mechanism, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a male connector, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a female connector that corresponds to the male connector of FIG. 2A, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2C is a conceptual schematic side view of the locked fastener of FIGS. 2A and 2B, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an illustrative fastener 300, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3B is a lower perspective view of the male connector of FIG. 3A, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3C is an upper perspective view of the male connector of FIGS. 3A and 3B, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3D is a top view of the male connector of FIGS. 3A-3C, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3E is a lower perspective view of the female connector of FIG. 3A, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3F is a bottom view of the female connector of FIGS. 3A and 3E, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3G is a side view of the fastener of FIG. 3A in a locking position, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3H is a perspective view of the fastener of FIGS. 3A and 3G in a locking position, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3I is a bottom view of the fastener of FIGS. 3A, 3G, and 3I in a locked position, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual schematic diagram of a fastener in a locked position, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram depicting an illustrative method of operating a fastener, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6A is a top view of another an illustrative fastener 600, in accordance with embodiments of the invention including cross-sectional view for section A-A.

FIG. 6B is a side view of the fastener of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is an end view of the fastener of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6D is a side view opposite the side view of the fastener of FIG. 6B.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the male connector of the fastener of FIG. 6A, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 7B is an end view of the male connector of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C is a bottom view of the male connector of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the female connector of the fastener of FIG. 6A, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 8B is an end view of the female connector of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is a top view of the female connector of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of the male and female connectors of the fastener of FIG. 6A shown in a first interlocked position.

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the male and female connectors of FIG. 9A shown in a second pivot position.

FIG. 9C is a conceptual schematic cross-sectional view of the male and female connectors of FIG. 9A shown in a third release position.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual schematic cross-sectional length-wise side view of the locked fastener of FIGS. 6A and 6B as laced, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram depicting an illustrative method of operating a fastener as in FIGS. 6A and 6B, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The intention, however, is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the disclosure is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

As the terms are used herein with respect to measurements (e.g., dimensions, characteristics, attributes, components, etc.), and ranges thereof, of tangible things (e.g., products, inventory, etc.) and/or intangible things (e.g., data, electronic representations of currency, accounts, information, portions of things (e.g., percentages, fractions), calculations, data models, dynamic system models, algorithms, parameters, etc.), “about,” “approximately,” and “at least approximately” may be used, interchangeably, to refer to a measurement that includes the stated measurement and that also includes any measurements that are reasonably close to the stated measurement, but that may differ by a reasonably small amount such as will be understood, and readily ascertained, by individuals having ordinary skill in the relevant arts to be attributable to measurement error; differences in measurement and/or manufacturing equipment calibration; human error in reading and/or setting measurements; adjustments made to optimize performance and/or structural parameters in view of other measurements (e.g., measurements associated with other things); particular implementation scenarios; imprecise adjustment and/or manipulation of things, settings, and/or measurements by a person, a computing device, and/or a machine; system tolerances; control loops; machine-learning; foreseeable variations (e.g., statistically insignificant variations, chaotic variations, system and/or model instabilities, etc.); preferences; and/or the like.

Although the term “block” may be used herein to connote different elements illustratively employed, the term should not be interpreted as implying any requirement of, or particular order among or between, various blocks disclosed herein. Similarly, although illustrative methods may be represented by one or more drawings (e.g., flow diagrams, communication flows, etc.), the drawings should not be interpreted as implying any requirement of, or particular order among or between, various steps disclosed herein. However, certain embodiments may require certain steps and/or certain orders between certain steps, as may be explicitly described herein and/or as may be understood from the nature of the steps themselves (e.g., the performance of some steps may depend on the outcome of a previous step). Additionally, a “set,” “subset,” or “group” of items (e.g., inputs, algorithms, data values, etc.) may include one or more items, and, similarly, a subset or subgroup of items may include one or more items. A “plurality” means more than one.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention include an interlocking clasp mechanism configured to be employed as a fastener on a wide variety of straps, belts, cords, paracord, other stranded or fiber-based materials, and/or the like. In embodiments, the fastener has a male connector and a female connector that are configured to interlock.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a shoe 100 having a fastener 102 configured to facilitate fastening the shoe 100. According to embodiments, the fastener 102 includes at least two components—a male connector 104 and a female connector 106 configured to fit together to apply tension to the laces 108 of the shoe 100, thereby fastening the shoe 100. In embodiments, each of the male connector 104 and the female connector 106 are equipped with at least two lace apertures, an input aperture 110 and an output aperture 112. The input aperture 110 is configured to receive a shoelace 108 inserted from the bottom of the male connector 104 or the bottom of the female connector 106, extend across at least a portion of the fastener 102, and return out the output aperture 112 toward the shoe 100. The portions of the laces 108 that are extended out through the output apertures 112 may be tied or otherwise affixed together behind the tongue of the shoe 100, behind another portion of the shoe 100, held in place using a lace-holding mechanism, cut to size, and/or the like. According to embodiments, the female connector 106 may be equipped with an accessory connection location 114, configured to facilitate connecting an accessory to the fastener. The accessory connection location 114 may provide placement for the temporary mounting of an optional removable item including, but not limited to faceplates, clasps, interchangeable symbols, patterns, buckle styles, and/or the like.

According to embodiments, fasteners described herein may be used for securing shoes, boots, belts, luggage straps, vest straps, and/or the like. It is also envisioned that embodiments of the fastener may be used for certain types of medical instruments that require rapid unlocking of two parts. Additionally, it is envisioned that embodiments of the interlocking fastener of the present invention may be integrated into a device, coupled to a device, used for hanging objects, and/or the like. For example, in embodiments, a female connector could be molded into the bottom of a television remote controller, and the corresponding male connector could be attached to a wall or nightstand, affixed via adhesive, magnets, screws and/or the like. Another application of embodiments of the interlocking fastener of the present invention is for the rapid construction or erection of structures, such as by providing an expedient means of constructing a framework. In embodiments, semi-permanent removable shelving could similarly employ embodiments of the fastener of the present invention as well. In embodiments, a removable bar, such as for a closet or a similar space, could be equipped with a female connector (e.g., on both ends of the bar), and a pair of male connectors may be disposed on the walls of the closet to provide a mounting point for the bar via the connection of the male connectors to the female connectors of the bar. According to embodiments, any number of other situations in which one object is to be removably coupled to another object may employ embodiments of the fastener of the present invention.

A lace-securing mechanism 116, as shown in FIG. 1B, may facilitate securing the laces together behind the tongue (or other part) of the shoe. The lace-securing mechanism 116 may be configured to function as a lock-band or base on which the shoelaces may be extended first through the first clasp aperture 118 to the input aperture 110 defined in, e.g., the male connector 104, and out to the output aperture 112. FIG. 1C depicts a perspective view of the male connector 104 showing the input and output apertures 110 and 112. Next, the lace is sent to the shoe lace hole of the shoe 100, and through to a second clasp aperture 120 of the lace-securing mechanism 116. Then, the shoelace is wound through a first notch 122, and around the outside of the second clasp aperture 120, back to a second notch 124, then to the first clasp aperture 118. Wrapping and securing the laces in this manner may facilitate making the shoe secure simply by looping the lace, eliminating the need for any physical knot, as the looped laces function as a knot. In embodiments, the first clasp aperture 118 is larger than the second clasp aperture 120, as the shoelace travels through the first clasp aperture 118 twice—at the beginning of the securing process, and again at the end.

FIGS. 1D and 1E depict another lace-securing mechanism 126 may be employed to secure the fastener 102 to a shoe lace 108, and to facilitate adjustment of the laces 108 of the shoe 100. The lace-securing mechanism 126 is configured such that, by pulling on the end 128 of the shoelace 108, the shoe 100 becomes tighter, and by pulling on the lace-securing mechanism 126 in a direction that is at least approximately perpendicular to the portion 130 of the shoe 100 through which the lace 108 is configured to pass (e.g., the portion of the shoe upper that includes the shoe lace apertures 132), the shoe laces 108 are loosened. The illustrated lace-securing mechanism 126 includes two components: a rectangular receptacle portion 134 and an interlocking bar portion 136. The interlocking bar portion 136 may include a first portion 138 and a second portion 140. The first portion 138 of the interlocking bar portion 136 may be at least approximately “C-shaped”, and the second portion 140 may extend away from an upper surface 142 of the first potion 138. The rectangular receptacle portion 134 may include a rectangular shaped track 144 that the interlocking bar portion 136 can slide across during use, as seen in FIG. 1E. The interlocking bar portion 136 may be “C-shaped” because, when the shoe laces are pulled on from the fastener of the present invention, the rectangular shaped track 144 experiences forces causing the interlocking bar portion 136 to bend. The legs 146 of the interlocking bar portion 136 may be configured to protect the rectangular shaped track 144 from bending when the fastener is under force or duress. By preventing the rectangular track 144 from bending, the overall strength of the lace-securing mechanism 126 is increased.

In embodiments, using the lace-securing mechanism 126 may include sending the lace 108 through a first opening 148 from the top through to the back into the shoe's lace aperture 132. Then, the lace 108 is extended through the lace-securing mechanism 126 from the input aperture 110 up to the output aperture 112, through the bottom. Then, the shoelace 108 is threaded through the shoe's shoelace aperture 132, through the same opening 148 from the bottom through to the top. Then, the interlocking bar portion 136 is slid so as to reveal a second opening 150 in the rectangular shaped track 144. Then, the lace 108 is fed from the top through the second opening 150 to the bottom. Once the lace 108 is established in this fashion, the lace 108 may easily be tightened by pulling the end 128 of the lace 108. Additionally, loosening the lace 108 is facilitated by rotating the rectangular receptacle portion 134 so as to be at least approximately perpendicular to the shoe lace apertures, which releases the tension on the shoelace 108.

According to embodiments, any number of different types of lace-securing mechanisms may be employed for securing the fastener to a shoe. For example, as shown in FIG. 1F, in embodiments, a lace-securing mechanism 152 may be configured to be positioned behind a portion of a shoe that includes laces apertures, and may include a body 154 that includes two apertures 156 and 158 and a hook feature 160 disposed at one end for looping the lace over, as shown, for example, in the Appendix.

FIG. 1G is a perspective view of another lace-securing mechanism 162, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1G, the lace-securing mechanism 162 includes a body 164 having two apertures 166 and 168 disposed therethrough. In embodiments, the lace-securing mechanism 162 may be configured to facilitate securing shoelaces while minimizing loosening and/or breaking of laces. A shoelace may be passed through both apertures 166 and 168, designed in the shape of a spiral groove (e.g., a groove that is designed in accordance with a portion of a spiral) such that turning the lace-securing mechanism 162 by at least approximately a quarter of a turn secures the lace because, as the lace-securing mechanism rotates, the lace slides through the spiral groove of the apertures 166 and 168, thereby restricting movement of the lace through the apertures 166 and 168. In embodiments, the lace-securing mechanism 162 may facilitate modifying the length of the lace because a rotation in the direction opposite the rotation that secures the lace causes the lace to loosen, allowing the user to slide the mechanism 162 up or down the lace, adjusting the length of the lace. In embodiments, the spiral groove design of the apertures 166 and 168 may be configured such that the portions of the lace passing through the apertures become closer together and more secure as the portions of the lace travel to the narrower end of the spiral groove shape, which happens in response to rotating the mechanism 162.

The illustrative fastener 102 and lace-securing mechanisms shown in FIGS. 1A-1G are not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of embodiments of the present disclosure. Neither should the illustrative fastener 102 or lace-securing mechanisms be interpreted as having any dependency nor requirement related to any single component or combination of components illustrated therein. Additionally, various components depicted in FIGS. 1A-1G may be, in embodiments, integrated with various ones of the other components depicted therein (and/or components not illustrated), all of which a considered to be within the ambit of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an illustrative male connector 200 of a fastener, in accordance with embodiments of the invention, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view of an illustrative female connector 202 of a fastener, configured to interact with the male connector 200, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. According to embodiments, the male connector 200 may be, be similar to, include similar features as, include, or be included within the male connector 104 depicted in FIG. 1A; and the female connector 202 may be, be similar to, include similar features as, include, or be included within the female connector 106 depicted in FIG. 1A. As shown in FIG. 2A, the male connecter 200 includes a locking portion 204 and an anchoring portion 206. Similarly, the female connector 202 includes a locking portion 208 and an anchoring portion 210. The locking portion 204 of the male connector 200 is configured to interact with the locking portion 208 of the female connector 202 to fasten a shoe (e.g., the shoe 100 depicted in FIG. 1). The anchoring portion 206 of the male connector 200 includes an input aperture 206A and an output aperture 206B, through which a shoe lace may be disposed to secure the male connector 200 to a shoe. Similarly, the anchoring portion 210 of the female connector 202 includes an input aperture 210A and an output aperture 210B, through which a shoe lace may be disposed to secure the female connector 202 to the shoe.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the locking portion 204 of the male connector 200 includes a wall 212 having a lower surface 214 and a parallel, opposite upper surface 216. In this document, the terms “upper” and “lower” are used solely for the purposes of clarity of description and are not intended to suggest a particular orientation of any component, but rather merely refer to relative orientations of certain components implemented according to certain embodiments. As shown in FIG. 2A, a ‘T-shaped’ protrusion 218 extends away from the upper surface 216. The locking portion 208 of the female connector 202 includes a ‘T-shaped’ receptacle 220 configured to accept the ‘T-shaped’ protrusion 218 of the male connector 200 when inserted at a specific angle.

A series of angled surfaces 222 are disposed along the perimeter of the ‘T-shaped’ protrusion 218, which are configured to mate flush with a series of angled surfaces 224 disposed around the ‘T-shaped’ receptacle 220 of the female connector 202, facilitating keeping the fastener fastened when under force. The female connector 202 may be equipped with an accessory at an accessory connection location 226. The accessory connection location 226 provides placement for the temporary mounting of an optional removable accessory. According to embodiments, accessories may include, for example, faceplates, clasps, interchangeable symbols, patterns, buckle styles, and/or the like. As shown in FIG. 2B, the accessory connection location 226 may include, for example, a curved surface configured to engage with a complementary curved surface disposed on the accessory (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 2B, the female connector 202 includes an interior curve cut 228 configured to receive a curve feature 230 of the male connector 200, the combination of which functions as a means to attach or detach the female connector 202 from or to the male connector 200, unlocking or locking the fastener. The male connector 200 and the female connector 220 may be configured to attach to one another solely when at least one of the connectors 200 and 202 is pivoted such that the interior curve cut 228 and curve feature 230 are brought together. As such, in embodiments, the male connector 200 and the female connector 202 may be configured to be attached together solely via an angular motion about a pivot point 252 (shown in FIG. 8) that lies outside of the dimensions of the fastener. The angular or pivot motion is similar to the way in which an airplane lands on a runway—the nose of the plane is tilted up as it moves closer to the runway, rear wheels touching the ground first, followed by the front wheels. The connector 200 and/or 202 being rotated then rotates until the two connectors 200 and 202 are complete in a locking position in which an upper surface 232 of the protrusion 218 engages a lower surface 234 of the receptacle 220. To detach the female connector 202 from the male connector 200, the user simply rotates the female connector 202 in the reverse direction as it was put on.

According to embodiments, the fastener may be configured such that the angles of each of the angled surfaces 22.2 may be established within a specific, narrow range of angles in order to achieve the intended functionality of the fastener. In embodiments, the male connector 200 and female connector 202 each, respectively, include a latch feature 236 and 238, which function as a lock. For example, referring to FIG. 2C, showing a side view of aspects of the fastener including the male connector 200 and the female connector 202, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, an angle 240 between a lower-facing surface 242 of the latch feature 236 of the male connector 200 and a surface 244 parallel to the upper surface 216 is less than an angle 246 between the surface 244 and a tangent line 248 of a pivot point circle 250 defined around the pivot point 252. As shown in FIG. 2C, in an illustrative fastener, the angle 246 is 52.4 degrees, and the angle 240 is 20 degrees, which was selected because it is less than half of the tangent line angle 246. The angle 240 may be selected to enhance operation of the fastener based on the particular application intended for the fastener. For example, to secure shoelaces, the inventor has found that it is better to have an angle 240 of approximately 20 degrees, to facilitate locking and unlocking the fastener.

The illustrative male and female connectors 200 and 202 shown in FIGS. 2A 2C are not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of embodiments of the present disclosure. Neither should the illustrative male and female connectors 200 and 202 be interpreted as having any dependency nor requirement related to any single component or combination of components illustrated therein. Additionally, various components depicted in FIGS. 2A-2C may be, in embodiments, integrated with various ones of the other components depicted therein (and/or components not illustrated), all of which are considered to be within the ambit of the present invention.

FIG. 3A depicts an illustrative fastener 300, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3A, the illustrative fastener 300 includes a male connector 302 and a female connector 304 configured to lock together. FIGS. 3B-3D depict various views of the male connector 302, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; and FIGS. 3E and 3F depict various views of the female connector 304, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. According to embodiments, the fastener 300 may be, be similar to, include similar features as, include, or be included within the fastener 102 depicted in FIG. 1A. The male connector 302 may be, be similar to, include similar features as, include, or be included within the male connector 104 depicted, e.g., in FIG. 1A; and the female connector 304 may be, be similar to, include similar features as, include, or be included within the female connector 106 depicted, e.g., in FIG. 1A.

The male connecter 302 includes a locking portion 306 and an anchoring portion 308. Similarly, the female connector 304 includes a locking portion 310 and an anchoring portion 312. The locking portion 306 of the male connector 302 is configured to interact with the locking portion 310 of the female connector 304 to lock the fastener 300. In this manner, the fastener 300 may be configured to fasten a shoe (e.g., the shoe 100 depicted in FIG. 1), a belt, two objects together, and/or the like. The anchoring portion 308 of the male connector 302 includes an input aperture 308A and an output aperture 308B, through which a shoe lace may be disposed to secure the male connector 302 to a shoe. The anchoring portion 308 also includes a channel 308C through which a portion of a lace may be positioned. Similarly, the anchoring portion 312 of the female connector 304 includes an input aperture 312A, an output aperture 312B, and a channel 312C, through which a shoe lace may he disposed to secure the female connector 304 to the shoe.

As shown in FIGS. 3B-3D, the locking portion 306 of the male connector 302 includes a wall 314 having a lower surface 316 and a parallel, opposite upper surface 318. A protrusion 320 extends away from the upper surface 318. As shown, the protrusion 320 includes a center portion 322 and two, adjacent, side portions 324 and 326. The center portion 322 includes an upper surface 328 that, in embodiments, may be continuous with upper surfaces 330 and 332 of the side portions 324 and 326, respectively. Two opposite and at least approximately parallel side surfaces 334 and 336 extend from corresponding edges of the upper surface 328 to the upper surface 318 of the wall 314. A front surface 338 extends from a corresponding edge of the upper surface 328 to a corresponding front edge of the wall 314. The first side portion 324 includes two side surfaces 340 and 342 extending from the upper surface 330 of the side portion 324 to the wall 314; and the second side portion 326 includes two side surfaces 344 and 346 extending from the upper surface 332 of the side portion 326 to the wall 314. The first and second side portions 324 and 326 include upper front surfaces 348 and 350, respectively, and lower front surfaces 352 and 354, respectively. The first and second side portions 324 and 326 also include upper rear surfaces 356 and 358, respectively, and lower rear surfaces 360 and 362, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 3B-3D, the front surface 338, the side surface 342, and the side surface 346 define a notch 364 in the locking portion 306.

The locking portion 310 of the female connector 304 includes a receptacle 366 configured to receive the protrusion 320 of the male connector 302. As shown in FIGS. 3E and 3F, the receptacle 366 is defined by side surfaces 368, 370, 372, 374; front surfaces 376 and 378, rear surfaces 380 and 382; surfaces 384, 386, and 388 of a projection 400; and lower surface 402. In embodiments, the notch 364 in the locking portion 306 of the male connector 302 is configured to receive the projection 400 of the locking portion 310 of the female connector 304 when the male connector 302 and female connector 304 are brought together into a locking position, which is shown in FIGS. 3G-3I. In embodiments, the notch 364 and projection 400 combination may facilitate preventing the fastener 300 from unlocking due to twisting of the fastener 300.

The female connector 304 also includes an interface surface 404 configured to engage the upper surface 318 of the wall 314 of the locking portion 306 of the male connector 302. In embodiments, the interface surface 404 is configured such that, when the fastener 300 is in the locked position, an upper surface 406 of the female connector 304 and an upper surface 408 of the male connector 302 are at least approximately co-planar, as shown in FIGS. 3G-3I. Similarly, when the fastener 300 is in the locked position, a lower surface 410 of the female connector 304 and the lower surface 316 of the male connector 302 are at least approximately co-planar.

According to embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3E, a number of the surfaces of the locking portions 306 and 310 of the male and female connectors 302 and 304, respectively, may be curved. In embodiments, the curves are configured based on concentric circles, which may, for example, facilitate preventing the locked mechanism from becoming inadvertently unlocked, while enabling a user to unlock the fastener 300 by squeezing it toward the center, from the outsides. For example, the rear surfaces 380 and 382 of the receptacle 366 are curved; and the upper front surfaces 348 and 350 of the first and second side portions 324 and 326, respectively, of the protrusion 320 of the male connector 302 are complementarily curved such that, when the male connector 302 and/or the female connector 304 is being moved to lock or unlock the fastener 300, the surface 348 slideably engages the surface 380, and the surface 350 slideably engages the surface 382. Similarly, the upper rear surfaces 356 and 358 of the first and second side portions 324 and 326, respectively, of the protrusion 320 of the male connector 302 are curved; and the front surfaces 376 and 378 of the receptacle 366 are complementarily curved such that, when the male connector 302 and/or the female connector 304 is being moved to lock or unlock the fastener 300, the surface 356 slideably engages the surface 376, and the surface 358 slideably engages the surface 378.

In embodiments, as shown, the male connector 302 includes interface surfaces 412 and 414, joined by step surface 416. In embodiments, interface surfaces 412 and 414 are curved in accordance with concentric circles; and female connector 304 includes interface surfaces 418 and 420 that are complementarily curved such that, when the male connector 302 and/or the female connector 304 is being moved to lock or unlock the fastener 300, the surface 412 slideably engages the surface 420, and the surface 414 slideably engages the surface 418. In embodiments, when the fastener 300 is in the locked position, the step surface 416 is configured to engage the step surface 422, thereby facilitating preventing either the male connector 302 or the female connector 304 from rotating further. In embodiments, interface surfaces 412 and 414 and step surface 416 may be one continuous surface, as may surfaces 418, 420, and 422.

According to embodiments, the fastener 300 and/or any one or more components thereof, may be made of any material strong enough to hold the objects and/or material to be fastened together. For example, in embodiments, the fastener may be made of metal, carbon-fiber material that can be injection molded, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), metal, and/or the like. In embodiments, the male and female connectors (and/or any other related parts) may be constructed using injection molding, three-dimensional (3D) printing, and/or the like.

The illustrative fastener 300 shown in FIGS. 3A-3I is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of embodiments of the present disclosure. Neither should the illustrative fastener 300 be interpreted as having any dependency nor requirement related to any single component nor combination of components illustrated therein. Additionally, various components depicted in FIGS. 3A-3I may be, in embodiments, integrated with various ones of the other components depicted therein (and/or components not illustrated), all of which are considered to be within the ambit of the present invention.

The curved surfaces discussed above may be curved in a manner that corresponds with a series of concentric circles, as illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram depicting a side view of a fastener 424 in a locked position, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In embodiments, the fastener 424 depicted in FIG. 4 may be, be similar to, have similar features as, include, or be included within the fastener 100 depicted, e.g., in FIG. 1A, and/or the fastener 300 depicted, e.g., in FIG. 3A. As shown in FIG. 4, the fastener 424 includes a female connector 426 and a male connector 428. A set 430 of coordinate axes is superimposed on the fastener 424, and a set 432 of concentric circles is superimposed on the set 430 of coordinate axes. Each of the concentric circles has, as its center point, a common pivot point 434, about which the female connector 426 is configured to rotate to move into and out of the locked position.

As shown in FIG. 4, the female connector 426 includes a first surface 436 curved in accordance with a first circle 438, and the male connector 428 includes a second surface 440 complementarily curved, in accordance with a second circle 442, such that, when the female connector 426 and/or the male connector 428 is being moved to lock or unlock the fastener 424, the first surface 436 slideably engages the second surface 440. In embodiments, for example, the first surface 436 may be, be similar to, have similar features as, include, or be included within the surfaces 380 and/or 382 depicted, e.g., in FIG. 3E, and the second surface 440 may be, be similar to, have similar features as, include, or be included within the surfaces 348 and/or 350 depicted, e.g., in FIG. 3C.

Similarly, the female connector 426 includes a third surface 444 curved in accordance with a third circle 446, and the male connector 428 includes a fourth surface 448 complementarily curved, in accordance with a fourth circle 450, such that, when the female connector 426 and/or the male connector 428 is being moved to lock or unlock the fastener 424, the third surface 444 slideably engages the fourth surface 448. In embodiments, for example, the third surface 444 may be, be similar to, have similar features as, include, or be included within the surfaces 356 and/or 358 depicted, e.g., in FIG. 3A; and the fourth surface 448 may be, be similar to, have similar features as, include, or be included within the surfaces 376 and/or 378 depicted, e.g., in FIG. 3E.

As shown, the female connector 426 includes a fifth surface 452 curved in accordance with a fifth circle 454, and the male connector 428 includes a sixth surface 456 complementarily curved, in accordance with a sixth circle 458, such that, when the female connector 426 and/or the male connector 428 is being moved to lock or unlock the fastener 424, the fifth surface 452 slideably engages the sixth surface 456. In embodiments, for example, the fifth surface 452 may be, be similar to, have similar features as, include, or be included within the surface 420 depicted, e.g., in FIG. 3E; and the sixth surface 456 may be, be similar to, have similar features as, include, or be included within the surface 412 depicted, e.g., in FIG. 3C. The female connector 426 includes a seventh surface 460 curved in accordance with a seventh circle 462, and the male connector 428 includes an eighth surface 464 complementarily curved, in accordance with an eighth circle 466, such that, when the female connector 426 and/or the male connector 428 is being moved to lock or unlock the fastener 424, the seventh surface 460 slideably engages the eighth surface 464. In embodiments, for example, the seventh surface 460 may be, be similar to, have similar features as, include, or be included within the surface 418 depicted, e.g., in FIG. 3E; and the eighth surface 464 may be, be similar to, have similar features as, include, or be included within the surface 414 depicted, e.g., in FIG. 3C. As is further shown, the female connector 426 may include a step surface 468 configured to engage a step surface 470 of the male connector 428. In embodiments, for example, the step surface 468 may be, be similar to, have similar features as, include, or be included within the step surface 422 depicted, e.g., in FIG. 3E; and the step surface 470 may be, be similar to, have similar features as, include, or be included within the surface 416 depicted, e.g., in FIG. 3C.

The illustrative fastener 400 shown in FIG. 4 is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of embodiments of the present disclosure. Neither should the illustrative fastener 400 be interpreted as having any dependency nor requirement related to any single component or combination of components illustrated therein. Additionally, various components depicted in FIG. 4 may be, in embodiments, integrated with various ones of the other components depicted therein (and/or components not illustrated), all of which are considered to be within the ambit of the present invention.

Embodiments of an interlocking shoe fastener are described above. FIG. 5 is a flow diagram depicting an illustrative method 500 of operating a fastener, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. According to embodiments, the fastener may be, be similar to, have similar features as, include, or be included within the fastener 100 depicted, e.g., in FIG. 1A; the fastener 300 depicted, e.g., in FIG. 3A; and/or the fastener 400 depicted in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 5, the illustrative method may include aligning a lower-rear edge of a receptacle of a female connector with an upper-front edge of a protrusion of a male connector (block 502) and rotating at least one of the female connector and the male connector about a pivot point such that the receptacle receives the protrusion (block 504). According to embodiments, the illustrative method 500 includes continuing to rotate the male and/or female connector until an interface surface of the male connector engages an interface surface of the female connector, thereby preventing further rotation (block 506). According to embodiments, the illustrative method 500 further includes placing a finger and/or thumb against an outside edge of each of the male connector and the female connector (block 508), and applying an inward force to the outside edges of the male connector and the female connector to cause at least one of the male connector and the female connector to rotate, causing the fastener to unlock (block 510). According to embodiments, the method 500 may also include coupling the male and female connectors to an object such as, for example, a shoelace, a belt, a vest, a picture, and/or the like.

Another fastener according to the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 6A, may facilitate securing the laces together in front of the tongue (or other part) of the shoe positioned similarly as for accessory connection location 114 as shown in FIG. 1A. The fastener 602 may be configured to function as a lock-band or base on which the shoelaces may be extended first through a plurality of apertures, e.g., as shown the male connector 604 and the female connector 606 each include four apertures and may be laced according to FIG. 10, which will be described in detail below. In other words, fastener 602 may function with or optionally without the lace-securing mechanism element 116 of FIG. 1B. Fastener 602 advantageously prevents unexpected forces from either side from releasing the fastener. FIG. 6A is a top view of fastener 602, having male connector 604 and female connector 606, and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an illustrative male connector 604 of a fastener 602, in accordance with embodiments of the invention, and FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an illustrative female connector 606 of a fastener 602, configured to interact with the male connector 604, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. According to embodiments, the male connector 604 may be, be similar to, include similar features as, include, or be included within the male connector 104 depicted in FIG. 1A; and the female connector 606 may be, be similar to, include similar features as, include, or be included within the female connector 106 depicted in FIG. 1A. As shown in FIG. 7A, the male connecter 604 includes a locking portion 614 and an anchoring portion 616. Similarly, the female connector 606 includes a locking portion 618 and an anchoring portion 620. The locking portion 614 of the male connector 604 is configured to interact with the locking portion 618 of the female connector 606, e.g., to fasten a shoe (e.g., the shoe 100 depicted in FIG. 1A). The anchoring portion 616 of the male connector 604 includes two input apertures 622A and 622C and two output apertures 622B and 622D, through which a shoe lace may be disposed to secure the male connector 604 to a shoe as shown in FIG. 7C. Similarly, the anchoring portion 620 of the female connector 606 includes two input apertures 624A and 624C and two output apertures 62413 and 6241), as shown in FIG. 8C, through which a shoe lace may be disposed to secure the female connector 606 to the shoe.

As shown in cross-sectional view FIG. 9A of fastener 602, the locking portion 614 of the male connector 604 includes a wall 626 having a lower surface 632 and an upper surface 628, and a notch 630 therebetween—the notch 630 connecting surfaces 628 and 632. As mentioned above, in this document the terms “upper” and “lower” are used solely for the purposes of clarity of description and are not intended to suggest a particular orientation of any component, but rather merely refer to relative orientations of certain components implemented according to certain embodiments. The wall 626 may be configured based on a cone shape so that the wall 626 is straight rather than curved in accordance with concentric circles (as, for example, described above with regard to other embodiments), making manufacturing by injection molding, for example, easier. Also, the user advantageously may connect male and female connectors 604 and 606, respectively, without the need for rotation. As shown in FIG. 9A, a ‘finger-shaped’ protrusion 642 extends away from the upper surface 628. The locking portion 618 of the female connector 606 includes a ‘finger-shaped’ receptacle 644 configured to accept the ‘finger-shaped’ protrusion 642 of the male connector 604 when inserted at an angle. The angle may be variable as the gap 636 between male connector 604 and female connecter 606 is greater adjacent to upper surface 628 as compared with the gap 638 adjacent to lower surface 632. Thereby various angles are accommodated ensuring ease of use. FIG. 9B shows the male connector 604 pivoted about pivot point 634 in order to manually release male connector 604 to disengage from female connector 606 as illustrated schematically in FIG. 9C.

As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the female connector 606 includes an interior surface 646 configured to receive wall 626 of the male connector 604, the combination of which functions as a means to attach or detach the female connector 606 from or to the male connector 604, unlocking or locking the fastener. The male connector 604 and the female connector 606 may be configured to attach to one another solely when at least one of the connectors 604 and 606 is pivoted such that the interior surface 646 and wall 626 are brought together. Protuberance 648 of interior surface 646 of female connector 606 complements the notch 630 of wall 626 of male connector 604. As such, in embodiments, the male connector 604 and the female connector 606 may be configured to be attached together solely via an angular motion about a pivot point 634 (shown in FIG. 9A) that lies within of the dimensions of the fastener, specifically the male connector 604. The connector 604 and/or 606 being rotated then rotates until the two connectors 604 and 606 are complete in a locking position in which an bottom surface 650 of the protrusion 642 engages a lower surface 652 of the receptacle 644. Notch 630 of male connector 604 advantageously prevents disengagement of fastener 602 when in locked position and cannot pull apart, but can only be disengaged through the rotation.

The illustrative male and female connectors 604 and 606 shown in FIGS. 6A-9C are not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of embodiments of the present disclosure. Neither should the illustrative male and female connectors 604 and 606 be interpreted as having any dependency nor requirement related to any single component or combination of components illustrated therein. Additionally, various components depicted in FIGS. 6A-9C may be, in embodiments, integrated with various ones of the other components depicted therein (and/or components not illustrated), all of which are considered to be within the ambit of the present invention.

Embodiments of an interlocking shoe fastener 602 are described above. FIG. 10 is an longitudinal cross-sectional view depicting how fastener 602 may be attached via laces to a shoe such as shown in FIG. 1A. Fastener 602 includes a plurality of apertures including apertures 622A-D in male connector 604 shown in FIG. 10. Lace 658, for example, may enter through the underside of male connector 604 at anchor portion 616 via aperture 622A, then may be fed through channel 662 to exit at aperture 6221), followed by reentering connector 604 via aperture 622C and being fed through channel 664 to exit via aperture 622B. Similarly, the other end of the same lace 658 is laced into female connector 606, in which the apertures 624A-624D may function similarly to corresponding apertures 622A-622D. The four-hole arrangement as shown for each connector, male 604 and female 606, of fastener 602 according to FIGS. 6A-10 advantageously holds the lace 658 in place, without the need for an additional anchor device such as lace-securing mechanism 116 (of FIG. 1A). In embodiments, any number of apertures may be utilized and, in embodiments, one or more channels and/or apertures through which laces pass may be configured to taper (get narrower) in one direction such that, as an upper lace is pulled tight, the upper lace presses down on a lower lace, trapping the lower lace in place. That is, for example, in the arrangement as shown in FIG. 10, a portion 658A, or outer loop, of lace 658 pushes down on another portion 658B, or inner loop, of lace 658, thusly securing the lace in place during wear of the shoe. The loops of lace 658 may be pulled on by the user to loosen. The ends of lace 658 may be pulled upon to tighten.

Optionally, fastener 602 may include a magnet pair 666 and 668. Magnet 666 may be positioned in male connector 604 as shown in FIG. 7C, and magnet 668 may be positioned in female connector 606 as in FIG. 8A. It is important to note that the strength of the fastener 602 is greater than the magnet strength. The magnet merely helps the male and female connectors 604 and 606 to position properly and ‘find’ each other, thereby advantageously benefiting users lacking in dexterity. The magnets 666 and 668 serve to guide the fastener parts to couple more easily. An exemplary magnet suitable for use in embodiments of the present disclosure includes a Halbach array magnet. According to embodiments, any number of other fasteners described herein (e.g., fasteners described with respect to FIGS. 1A-1G, 2A-2C, 3A-3I, and 4) may include magnetic features similar to those described herein with regard to fastener 602.

The fastener 602 as shown in FIGS. 6A-9C demonstrated improved strength, easily surpassing embodiments as shown in FIGS. 2A-4. Also, as mentioned, the strength of fastener 602 as measured is greater than the magnet strength. For example, the strength of fastener 602 was measured on a tensioner device, using a strap winch and a crane heavy duty scale, and the fastener held over 70 lbs before breaking. Fastener strength was independent of adding any optional magnets. As previously mentioned, in embodiments, the magnets do not affect overall attachment strength and are utilized for guiding into position for ease of use.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram depicting an illustrative method 700 of operating a fastener, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. According to embodiments, the fastener may be, be similar to, have similar features as, include, or be included within the fastener 602 depicted, e.g., in FIGS. 6A-10. As shown in FIG. 11, the illustrative method may include aligning a lower edge of a female connector with a lower edge of a male connector (block 702). Alternatively, corresponding upper edges (or side edges) of the male and female connectors may be aligned. According to embodiments, the illustrative method 700 includes bringing the male and/or female connector toward one another until an interface surface of the male connector engages an interface surface of the female connector (block 704). According to embodiments, the illustrative method 700 further includes manually pulling laterally the male and female connectors to test or ensure the fastener is secure (block 706). To disengage, or unlock, the fastener, simply pull the male connector upward relative to the female connector. According to embodiments, the method 700 may also include coupling the male and female connectors to an object such as, for example, a shoelace, a belt, a vest, a picture, and/or the like.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this disclosure also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof. 

We claim:
 1. A fastener comprising: a male connector comprising a wall having an upper surface and a protrusion extending away from the upper surface; and, a female connector comprising a receptacle configured to receive the protrusion.
 2. The fastener of claim 1, the wall further comprising a lower surface and a notch connecting the lower surface to the upper surface.
 3. The fastener of claim 2, wherein the female connector includes a protuberance opposite the notch, wherein the protuberance is complementary in shape to the notch.
 4. The fastener of claim 2, the female connector further comprising an interior surface opposite the wall, wherein the upper surface is at a first distance from the interior surface and the lower surface is at a second distance from the interior surface, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.
 5. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the wall is cone shaped.
 6. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the wall is straight.
 7. A fastener comprising: a male connector comprising a wall having an upper surface and a protrusion extending away from the upper surface, the wall including a first interface; and, a female connector comprising a second interface configured to interconnect with the first interface.
 8. The fastener of claim 7, wherein the first and second interfaces are curved in accordance with concentric circles.
 9. A method of operating a fastener, the method comprising: aligning complementary edges of a male connector and a female connector; and, coupling the male connector to the female connector. 